We have a Gauntlet to solve,
We got to move, groove, prove,
From this realm that we just can’t hide.’
Lynx is on a roll.
‘We’re electric. Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle.’Moni sings as she twirls in a circle.
My jaw drops as I watch Lynx and Moni put on an impromptu performance in the middle of the fucking Gauntlet of all places. A multi-colored sea horse and a not-so-electric eel, looking like they’re having spasms in the middle of the ocean. The only “music” that’s playing is the shit Lynx is singing and Moni’s off-tune chorus.
Fates help me. We need to get this group going, or they’ll be the death of me.
‘She sure got the boo-tay,’Lynx sings.
‘Your electric.’Moni bobs along with her own beat.
Rez swims up and waves her hands like a crazed person, but it grabs everyone’s attention.
‘Okay, that’s it. Come with me,’she says, reaching for Knots and Lynx. She grabs the eels and quickly wraps them around her neck like a scarf, so they face forward from the front of her body.‘Is this okay? Will this work?’
Without waiting for a reply, she turns to me and motions for me to go.
‘Lead the way.’She smiles.
‘Yes, ma’am.’I give her a salute and smile as Ryker grabs one of her hands.
With Knots, Lynx, and Rez getting help swimming, we’re able to move a bit faster through the water. I don’t know why I didn’t suggest it in the first place. Honestly, I think I’ve been overwhelmed with all of the signatures I’m picking up down here. As a water creature down here, we are all capable of sensing the water currents, where we are in the water, who’s around us, and who’s friend and foe.
As a Nix, my senses are stronger; I can pick up more souls at further distances, and not only am I able to control water, but I’m able to read it, and the powers that are within it.
For example, I can close my eyes andseewhere my family is in the water. Their power signatures show up for me, and it kinda reminds me of a dolphin, and their echolocation, except I get much more information than someone’s location. That’s how I know which way to go, at least I hope we are going the right way.
Diving deeper to skim the bottom of the ocean floor, the temperature drops a few degrees as a current sweeps in front of me. It’s gorgeous down here, I have to admit. One would think the ocean is a vast wasteland of open water as far as one can see, but it’s far from that.
The ocean is filled with life and sea creatures to the brink of exploding out of the sea. I’m surprised we didn’t hit any of them when we fell from the portal. Different power levels are spread throughout the ocean, as well as across the reefs, landmasses, and underground volcanoes.
It’s a sight to see, and I’m momentarily fascinated by all of it.Would I like to spend time here, exploring this side of my life? I am part Nix after all. I am a sea creature.We dip further, and it takes a moment for my eyes to adjust as we lose some of the sun reflecting off the coral reef.
What I’m following is a power signature for Delvin, and since he’s the one who placed the portal, I figure he’s the best one to follow. We come to a massive landmass, and I can only guess that above us is an island, so I call for a small break.
‘How’s everyone doing?’I ask, turning around to check on everyone again.
The first thing I notice is our sharks running off to chase the fish.
‘You good, Knox?’It’s not normal to have him lose control or let his animals get the control of him, so I can’t help but feel a little nervous about him running off.
‘Yeah. Reaper is hungry, so I’m going to help him get some food,’he explains, and relief hits me.
I watch as the rest of the group huddles up around Rez. It’s almost comical how we all migrate towards her, like we’re trailing behind her. No matter where she goes, we follow.
Nah, it’s not comical, she’s our sun.
The air that we breathe to survive. Our only reason to live on most days, it seems.
‘We’re good,’Rez says, but cocks her head, looking at me.‘We are, aren’t we?’she asks, pointing out the land mass behind me and the rock formations that split off in two different directions.This ocean floor has almost turned into a maze with all the twists and turns I’ve found down here; it’s been a different beast altogether.
Can’t pull the wool over her eyes. Not like anything would get past this group. I take a few minutes to explain how I can track Delvin’s power signature, but since this land mass is here, it’s gone cold.
